countyscore
59.6
County Score
Safety 85Income & Jobs 78.2Schools 73.1

County Report Card

About Ottawa County, Ohio

Well Above the National Median

Ottawa County earns a high composite score of 59.6, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This reflects a high-performing community with strong social and economic indicators.

A Premier Ohio Destination

Outpacing the Ohio average of 48.6, Ottawa County's 59.6 score makes it one of the more desirable locations in the state. It balances high earnings with an extremely safe environment.

High Incomes and Safe Schools

The county shines with an income score of 78.2 and a median household income of $75,728. It also prioritizes safety (85.0) and education, with a school score of 73.1.

Higher Cost of Living

Quality comes at a price, as the cost score of 37.3 reflects higher housing expenses. The tax score of 32.1 also indicates a higher burden than more rural neighboring counties.

Perfect for High-Earning Families

Ottawa County is best suited for families who have the income to support a $200,700 median home value. Those seeking excellent schools and a safe, high-income community will find it worth the premium.

Score breakdown

Tax32.1Cost37.3Safety85Health72.4Schools73.1Income78.2Risk40.9Water45.7Weather52
🏛32.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Sandusky County
Ohio
55.5
Erie County
Ohio
47.4
Lucas County
Ohio
24.8
Seneca County
Ohio
54.2
Wood County
Ohio
51.1
Monroe County
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43.1
Huron County
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Crawford County
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48.5

Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ottawa County

via TaxByCounty

Ottawa taxes fall slightly below U.S. median

Ottawa County's effective tax rate of 1.087% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.08%, keeping it near the U.S. middle ground. Homeowners pay a median of $2,181 annually—19% less than the national median of $2,690—despite homes valued 29% below the national average.

Close to Ohio's middle ground

Ottawa County's rate of 1.087% runs just below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it squarely in the middle tier of Ohio's 88 counties. Its median tax of $2,181 is nearly identical to Ohio's median of $2,145, reflecting typical statewide property tax burdens.

Moderate taxes in the regional context

Ottawa County's 1.087% rate sits between Morrow County's 1.100% and Paulding County's 1.090%, making it very competitive with nearby counties. Only Montgomery County's 1.777% exceeds Ottawa by a significant margin, meaning most neighbors pay similar rates.

Ottawa's typical annual bill

On a median home valued at $200,700, Ottawa County residents pay $2,181 annually—about $182 per month. Those with mortgages see escrow of $2,295, while cash buyers typically remit $1,991 directly to the county.

Assessment accuracy still matters

Ottawa County homeowners should verify their property assessment just like anywhere else; evaluation errors are common even in moderate-tax counties. A free appeal to the county auditor is worth your time if recent sales suggest your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ottawa County

via CostByCounty

Ottawa: Above-National Income, Best Affordability

Ottawa County renters spend just 14.4% of their income on rent—the lowest ratio among all eight counties—while earning $75,728 annually, slightly above the national average of $74,755. This combination of strong income and efficient housing costs makes Ottawa Ohio's affordability leader in this group.

Ottawa Leads Ohio's Housing Affordability

At 14.4%, Ottawa's rent-to-income ratio substantially beats Ohio's 15.6% average, ranking it among the state's most affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $909 sits just $36 above the state average, but Ottawa's higher median income of $75,728 creates the efficiency gap.

Highest Income Drives Affordability Advantage

Ottawa's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio significantly outpaces nearby counties: Morrow (15.9%), Montgomery (18.0%), and all deep-rural options, even though Ottawa's median rent of $909 is not the lowest. Ottawa's competitive advantage stems from its superior median income at $75,728, anchored by strong regional employment.

Strong Income Cushions Housing Expenses

The $909 monthly rent represents just 14.4% of Ottawa's $75,728 median income, while homeowners dedicate 15.3% to their $963 monthly cost—both well below strain thresholds. Ottawa households retain substantially more discretionary income than peers in lower-income counties, supporting both savings and consumer spending.

Ottawa: Affordability Plus Opportunity

If you're relocating to Ohio and seeking the best combination of housing affordability and economic opportunity, Ottawa County delivers: 14.4% rent-to-income ratio and median income of $75,728. Compare Ottawa's balanced profile against rural affordability leaders like Paulding or Perry—Ottawa costs slightly more but offers significantly better employment stability and wage growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ottawa County

via IncomeByCounty

Ottawa exceeds national income benchmark

Ottawa County's median household income of $75,728 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $973, placing it among stronger-performing counties nationally. The county's per capita income of $47,629 substantially exceeds Ohio's average of $35,642, indicating broad-based earning strength.

Clear leader among Ohio counties

At $75,728, Ottawa County ranks in the upper echelon of Ohio counties, exceeding the state average of $68,101 by $7,627. This leadership position reflects a diversified economy with strong manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors.

Regional income champion by clear margin

Ottawa County's $75,728 median income leads all regional peers, significantly outpacing Morrow County ($71,047), Paulding County ($68,167), Montgomery County ($64,403), and all others. The county's economic strength stands distinct against surrounding regions.

Strong incomes meet housing costs easily

Ottawa County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is the lowest in the region, and median home values of $200,700 are highly accessible at current income levels. Residents enjoy robust affordability and flexibility for additional savings or investments.

Ottawa's strength creates wealth opportunities

Ottawa County's above-national median income of $75,728 and exceptional per capita earnings of $47,629 provide genuine wealth-building potential. Maximize retirement contributions, consider investment property opportunities, and work toward long-term financial independence through diversified asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ottawa County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Leader: Ottawa County

Ottawa County is exceptionally safe, with a total crime rate of only 349.2 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2385.5 and earns the county a safety score of 99.4.

Among Ohio's Safest Counties

The county's safety score of 99.4 easily surpasses the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 349.2 is also far below the statewide average of 1412.3, marking it as a secure region.

Ottawa's Record vs. Neighboring Counties

Ottawa County is much safer than nearby Montgomery County, which reports a crime rate over seven times higher at 2586.0. These figures are supported by data from 12 reporting agencies.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Violent crime is very rare in Ottawa County, occurring at a rate of 49.5 per 100,000. Property crime is also minimal at 299.7, both of which are far below national averages.

Securing Your Ottawa County Home

Ottawa County's low crime rates provide peace of mind for residents and visitors alike. Even in safe areas, using deadbolts and motion-activated lights can help ensure your home remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ottawa County

via HealthByCounty

Ottawa Outperforms Nation on Life Expectancy

Ottawa County's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and at just 16.2%, its poor/fair health rate ranks lowest among these eight counties. Ottawa residents achieve both longevity and better overall health quality.

State's Healthiest County by Most Measures

Ottawa's 76.6-year life expectancy surpasses Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by nearly two years, and its 6.6% uninsured rate is the lowest in this group and below the state average of 7.5%. Ottawa emerges as one of Ohio's healthiest counties by both longevity and coverage metrics.

Clear Leader in Health Outcomes and Access

Ottawa's 76.6-year life expectancy and 16.2% poor/fair health rate outperform all peer counties, including Muskingum (74.4 years, 18.8% poor/fair) and Paulding (76.9 years, 21.0% poor/fair). Its 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank among the strongest rural healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Strong Access Drives Better Health

Ottawa's 47 primary care and 126 mental health providers per 100,000 residents support preventive care and chronic disease management across the population. Combined with the state's lowest uninsured rate (6.6%), Ottawa's healthcare infrastructure delivers measurable health advantages.

Join the Majority with Coverage

Ottawa County's success story includes one of Ohio's lowest uninsured rates at 6.6%—but 6.6% of residents still lack protection. If you're without coverage, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to access the care that supports Ottawa's healthy community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ottawa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Schools Along the Lake Erie Shore

Ottawa County manages 16 public schools across 6 districts, supporting a total enrollment of 5,059 students. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary, 4 middle, and 6 high schools.

Top-Tier Graduation and Performance Scores

With a 92.9% graduation rate and a school score of 58.2, Ottawa County significantly exceeds state averages. Investment is also strong, with $8,480 spent per pupil to support these high outcomes.

Port Clinton and Benton Carroll Salem

Port Clinton City is the largest district with 1,489 students, followed by Benton Carroll Salem Local. The county relies exclusively on traditional public districts, as there are zero charter schools currently active.

Cozy Town Schools and Small Classes

The average school size is a manageable 316 students, fostering a close-knit community feel. Most schools are located in town settings, with Oak Harbor High School serving as the largest at 673 students.

Relocate to a High-Achieving Coastal County

Excellent graduation rates and lakeside living make Ottawa County a premier choice for homebuyers. Focus your search near Port Clinton or Genoa to join districts known for academic excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ottawa County

via RiskByCounty

Ottawa's risk moderately exceeds U.S. average

Ottawa County's composite risk score of 59.16 rates as "Relatively Low" but surpasses the national average, placing it slightly above the middle tier of American disaster risk. Residents face notably higher natural hazard exposure than most U.S. counties, driven primarily by tornado and flood threats.

Above-average risk within Ohio

Ottawa County's 59.16 score exceeds Ohio's 55.03 state average, ranking it among the state's moderate-risk counties. Tornado and flood hazards push the county above state baseline, though other threats remain relatively modest.

Riskier than many peers but manageable

Ottawa County (59.16) faces notably higher hazard exposure than Morgan County (18.23), Morrow County (24.40), and Perry County (25.99), but considerably less than Montgomery County (92.65). This positions it as a mid-range risk area within its regional context.

Tornadoes and floods present dual threat

Ottawa County's tornado risk scores 72.81, the county's highest hazard rating and a serious concern during spring and early summer. Flood risk at 72.61 follows closely, making both severe weather and water-related disasters the county's primary preparedness priorities.

Flood insurance and storm coverage critical

Ottawa County residents, especially those near waterways or in mapped flood zones, should secure separate flood insurance immediately—standard policies exclude flood damage. Verify your property's flood zone with FEMA and ensure your homeowners policy covers windstorm damage given the county's significant dual tornado and flood threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Ottawa County

via SoilByCounty

Ottawa County’s alkaline soil profile

Ottawa County features an average pH of 6.60, making it one of the few areas in Ohio that exceeds the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is higher than the state average of 5.97, creating a favorable environment for many specialized crops. The unique lake-influenced environment contributes to this distinct soil chemistry.

Balanced sand and silt mix

The soil is composed of 37.5% sand, 37.7% silt, and 24.8% clay, offering a more even distribution than many neighboring counties. This high sand content improves drainage and aeration compared to the silt-heavy soils common elsewhere in Ohio. The clay fraction remains high enough to provide the necessary structure for plant support.

Lower water capacity but solid score

Available water capacity stands at 0.169 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.186 in/in. Organic matter content is 3.34%, trailing the state average but still providing a healthy base for microbial activity. Overall, the county achieves a soil score of 66.3, matching the state average exactly.

Understanding lake-adjacent hydrology

While dominant drainage classes are not specified in this dataset, the higher sand content generally suggests better-than-average permeability for the region. Because Ottawa County borders Lake Erie, localized water tables can vary significantly based on proximity to the shore. Site-level testing is recommended for any drainage or foundation planning.

Gardening by the lake in zone 6b

The lake-moderated climate of hardiness zone 6b is famous for supporting orchards and vineyards. With a favorable pH of 6.60, this soil is ready-made for many vegetables and fruit trees that struggle in more acidic soils. It is an excellent place to establish a productive home garden or a small commercial plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ottawa County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Challenges in Ottawa County

Ottawa County presents a tougher challenge than most of Ohio, with a lawn difficulty score of 66.0. While this is lower than the state average of 76.0, it is still better than the national median of 50.0. Residents in this Zone 6b area must be more proactive with their maintenance to achieve a lush lawn.

Adapting to Lakefront Climate Variations

Specific temperature and rainfall data for Ottawa County are currently limited, but its lakefront position often influences local growth cycles. Homeowners should watch for high humidity levels which can lead to increased fungal pressure on turf. Adapting your mowing schedule to local conditions is crucial for maintaining lawn health here.

Perfect pH Balance in Sandy Soils

The soil in Ottawa County is a highlight, featuring an ideal pH of 6.60 and a high sand content of 37.5%. This sand-heavy mix provides excellent natural aeration but may require more frequent watering as it drains quickly. The 24.8% clay content helps provide the structure necessary to hold onto essential lawn fertilizers.

Severe Drought Conditions Demand Attention

The county is currently facing significant drought, with 100% of the area being dry and 56.6% in 'Severe' drought or worse. This follows a difficult year with 26 weeks of drought conditions. To save your lawn, prioritize deep, infrequent watering and avoid mowing during the hottest parts of the day.

Selecting Drought-Tolerant Turf for Zone 6b

Due to recent drought trends, heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is an ideal choice for Ottawa County lawns. While specific local frost dates are unavailable, general Zone 6b guidelines suggest seeding in the late summer for the best establishment. Focus on soil moisture retention strategies now to prepare for future dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ottawa County's county score?
Ottawa County, Ohio has a composite county score of 59.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Ottawa County rank among counties in Ohio?
Ottawa County ranks #7 among all counties in Ohio on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Ottawa County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Ottawa County is $2,181, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Ottawa County a tax score of 32.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ottawa County?
The median household income in Ottawa County, Ohio is $75,728 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ottawa County earns an income score of 78.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ottawa County, Ohio a good place to live?
Ottawa County scores 59.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Ottawa County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Ottawa County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.